Zion Williamson Reacts to Sharing Rookie Scoring Mark with Michael Jordan

New Orleans Pelicans rising star Zion Williamson was surprised to find out from teammate Jahlil Okafor he'd matched a rookie scoring mark previously set by Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan when he scored 25 points in four straight games while shooting at least 57 percent from the field.

"Mike?!" Williamson responded after the Pelicans' 116-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez.

The first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, who accomplished the feat during a stretch from Feb. 11 through Feb. 23, elaborated on his thoughts about MJ in his postgame press conference.

"I mean, it's dope. I can't even lie," Williamson said. "One of my favorite players growing up. I said in some interview, my mom told me to study film of him so to be in that category, it means a lot."

The Pelicans proceeded with caution after Williamson underwent knee surgery in late October. He didn't make his NBA debut until Jan. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs, 12 weeks after the procedure despite being given a six- to eight-week timetable, and his minutes were capped initially.

He's been a full-go since the start of February, however, and the 19-year-old Duke product has often been the best player on the floor.

Williamson has averaged 25.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 56.3 percent from the field across nine appearances this month.

"I think the world and the media, I think, is more happy for me than myself," he said with laugh. "Honestly, I don't even think much of it if I'm being honest. I just want to get the win. You know, my stepdad taught me growing up, you know, if the team has success then the individual things will follow. So I guess it's just one of those things."

Now the question is whether the Pelicans, who stand at 26-33 after Friday's win, can chase down the Memphis Grizzlies (28-31) for the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The top seven teams in the West are virtually locked into the postseason, which realistically leaves six squads battling for a single berth. The Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns are still within striking distance too.

New Orleans may have the best opportunity to actually give the top seed, likely the Los Angeles Lakers, some problems in the first round of the playoffs.

Along with Williamson, two former Lakers, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, are enjoying strong years after being dealt from L.A. to NOLA in the offseason as part of the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. It creates a potential series overflowing with storylines.

Meanwhile, on an individual level, the battle between the Grizzlies and Pelicans could play a key role in the Rookie of the Year race between Zion and Memphis point guard Ja Morant.

Jordan won the award for the 1984-85 season.